Noslin cursed as the snow fell away and revealed the state of Exile’s forces. The Sommerdan army yelped when they realised two new armies had appeared on their flanks, which left only the path back to the mountains free of enemies. However, their commanders were quick to take control of the situation. They bellowed out the order to prepare to meet the new opponents in combat.
Beartooth snorted when he saw that as he gave the order to charge. The players and NPC armies of the Alliance quickly fell upon the Sommerdan right flank as the Royal faction led by Aeri rushed the left!
Meanwhile, near the centre of the Sommerdan army, Parthus let out an amused smile as he glanced at the newcomers. ‘Masterfully done! I wonder how they got these armies past the scouts?’ Parthus mused as a glint appeared in his eyes. ‘If Exile planned this then he has definitely grown since the streams I saw.’
Parthus clicked his tongue as a frown appeared on his face. ‘No, this is too elaborate to master in such a short time. He’s had help.’ Parthus’ fingers drummed against the pommel of his blade as he analysed the situation. ‘Whoever is behind this is a master of large-scale conflicts. I look forward to finding out who they are!’
He turned to bark orders at the players around him as a cruel smile danced on his face. ‘Let’s see how you respond to this!’
Exile frowned as he defeated the fourth player to attack him and scooped up their orb. The Sommerdan army was starting to move, revealing a path straight to their centre! ‘That’s got to be a trap, right?’ Exile scowled at the obvious move. ‘If we were to charge in there then we would be the ones surrounded. What the hell is Parthus thinking?’
Exile took a second look at what was happening and cursed. The NPCs that Parthus had pulled from the centre were shoring up the flanks and slowing down the reinforcements. ‘So, he’s weakened this side because there’s fewer of us here. The amount of troops facing us is still enough to hold us off. Meanwhile, he succeeds in slowing down our allies and lays a trap in one simple move!’
He could only shake his head in response to that as he dodged a blade aimed at his neck. Exile rapidly bashed the foolish opponent with his shield before stabbing her with his spear. The player cried out for help just before he smashed the rim of his tower shield into her throat, killing her on the spot!
As he collected her orb he noticed a group of Harik’s warriors attempt to use the cleared path to reach the enemy commanders. Only for them to be surrounded and killed once they were too deep to retreat. ‘It’s like marching into the open jaws of a hungry beast! There’s no way we can use it to our advantage!’ Exile cursed as he headed in Harik’s direction to warn him to keep his warriors from trying that again.
Meanwhile, Bjorn roared defiantly as the last of the warriors accompanying him was slain by the Sommerdan forces surrounding him! Several nets had been thrown over him as the enemy soldiers pulled on the ropes attached to them to limit his movements. A moment later, his legs became too entangled to move as his arms and weapon were pulled tight against his body.
He cursed out loud as the soldiers pulled, toppling him over! He grunted as his body hit the ground and fresh snow invaded his mouth and nostrils. At that moment, a sinister laugh sounded amongst his would-be captors. A sharp kick struck his ribs, rolling him over to face the owner of the laugh. ‘Shit!’
Randa looked down on Bjorn with a joyous expression on his face. “Well, what do we have here?”
“Hurry up and get it over with! At least I know I’ll dine with my gods in heaven tonight!” Bjorn growled as he peered through the rough ropes of the nets.
“Oh no! You’ve got it all wrong! We’re not going to kill you!” Randa chuckled. “Take him to the rear. I’m sure we can arrange some entertainment using him once the battle is over! Just make sure he doesn’t get free. I’m going to deal with the witch.”
Bjorn’s eyes went wide as he cursed Randa as a coward. ‘If anything happens to Ania I’ll never be able to live with letting Lord Exile down!’ Bjorn struggled against the nets as Randa faded from view.
He cursed as the soldiers dragged him through the snow, leaving a trail behind. ‘Someone! Help Ania!’
Skovi growled as a familiar scent reached him while Ania fended off her attackers. She became startled when Skovi suddenly jumped in front of her as a deep red line appeared in his fur! Ania glanced around as she heard a gutting sound close to her right side. Only to discover Randa cleaning the blood from his blade by flicking it in the air.
Ania froze in shock as Skovi healed his wound before padding in front of her protectively. The great wolf growled menacingly as it kept its eyes on the Sommerdan hero. As Ania snapped back to reality, she realised the soldiers surrounding her were backing away.
“Skardians! Fall back! He’s too much for you. Give us some room and nobody interfere!” Ania shouted as she eyed Randa warily. She raised her shield and rested the shaft of her spear on top of it as she fixed her footing for the clash to come. 𝐞𝗻𝐨𝘃𝗹.𝐜𝐨𝗺
“Well, little witch, let’s see how good you are!” Randa chuckled before vanishing from her sight!
Ania cursed as she swivelled on the spot, searching for Randa. However, she was unable to perceive his presence at all. Hopelessness bore down on her mind as she scanned her surroundings. ‘The snow!’ She suddenly spotted small disturbances in the snow as it fluttered into the air slightly. ‘That has to be caused whenever he passes by!’
A slight glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes, just before she heard Skovi howl from behind her…